When you pass by a place practically every day of the week, you tend to forget how magnificent it is. That’s what the Coöperatiehof – a small courtyard in striking Amsterdam School style – is to me. The place is hidden away between two busy streets connecting the centre of Amsterdam with the southern areas: Van Wou straat and Ferdinand Bol straat.

The area, once designed for Amsterdam’s working class, is one of the most beautiful examples of the unique architectonic style that is Amsterdam School. The movement can be characterized by its expressive shapes, and is part of Expressionist architecture.

To me, the old library used as a public reading room is one of the most beautiful buildings in the area. Besides that, my former office is located inside, so I was in the lucky position to encounter it every single day. When you’re interested in architecture, make sure to take a short detour to visit this nice area: you won’t be disappointed.